Shih Tzus, a petite dog breed, are celebrated for their friendly and loving demeanor. Their simplicity in grooming, minimal upkeep needs, and brief lifespan make them a prime selection for novice pet owners. Present in a multitude of varying colors and designs, you’re assured to discover a Shih Tzu that complements your distinct individuality.
If you’re looking for tips on how to take care of your new Shih Tzu puppy, look no further! This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about raising Shih Tzu dogs. We have you covered, from feeding and watering your pet to training and playing time!
The Breed
The Shih Tzu is a very small dog with a long, soft coat that can be either fluffy or short and curly. It has small, erect ears and a long snout. The tail is docked to prevent chipping of the tip in high winds.
The Shih Tzu dog breed was originally bred in China for hunting small game. The Shih Tzu is a tiny, elegant dog. They are active and playful and make great pets for people who want a small, loyal friend.
Shih Tzu dogs are very friendly and outgoing but can be shy with strangers. They love to play ball, catch frisbees, and run around the yard. They love to cuddle and happily sit on your lap or curl up on your chest.
Shih Tzus are very intelligent and easily trained. Sometimes, they are stubborn, so you must work hard for their attention. They have a high-pitched voice and a habit of barking at the slightest sound.
Grooming
Shih Tzu breeders note a few things in raising Shih Tzus to ensure their well-being. One of the most important aspects of caring for a Shih Tzu is providing the best grooming possible to help keep them clean and healthy.
Grooming Shih Tzu puppies start by brushing their coat regularly, using a specific type of brush specifically designed for this purpose, followed by regular baths and occasional trimming.
Shih Tzus grooming can be a lot of fun, but it is also important to take care of them properly to keep them healthy. Here are some tips on how to groom your Shih Tzu puppy:
Brushing
Both puppy and adult Shih Tzu appreciate a good brushing. Use a soft brush and brush all over their body, paying special attention to their ears, neck, and tail. Be sure to get into the nooks and crannies.
Wipe Them Clean
You should diligently clean your pets if you’re a Shih Tzu owner. Wipe their face with a damp cloth or paper towel. Make sure you get between their eyes and ears. A good bit of brushing will prevent fleas and ticks, but if you find that your dog has fleas or ticks, it is important to go to the vet immediately.
Shih Tzu’s Bath Time
Bath them when they become dirty or when their coat starts to become matted. Use warm water, gentle soap, and plenty of rinsing. Make sure to dry your pup with a clean towel.
Feeding
Proper feeding of a Shih Tzu puppy starts early. Your puppy will need around 20-25% of its daily caloric intake in the form of wet food, divided into three meals and two snacks per day. Make sure to give your pup plenty of water as well.
Start slowly with the amount of food you give them, and gradually increase as they grow older and become more active. Ensuring you are feeding your Shih Tzu puppy a proper diet is important. This will save you money and your dog from obesity later on.
Never give your puppy anything that smells bad or looks like another animal could have eaten it.
Shih Tzu’s Diet
Puppies need a balanced diet with many proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Senior premium canned dog food is a good option for puppies as it has high-quality proteins and other nutrients.
- Choose a variety of fresh foods to give your Shih Tzu, including chicken, beef, lamb, fish, eggs, and cottage cheese.
- Provide plenty of chew toys to keep them occupied and satisfy their chewing needs.
- Watch their water intake; puppies tend to drink more than older dogs. Make sure they have enough water available at all times.
Training
If you’re considering bringing a Shih Tzu home, there are a few things you need to know first. This toy breed is notoriously stubborn and may require extra training to get the most out of them. The good news is that with a bit of patience and persistence, you can teach your pup everything from basic obedience commands to better potty habits.
Here are some tips on how to get started:
Obedience Commands
Start by teaching your pup basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, come, and down. Make sure the commands are consistent and repeated throughout the day so that your puppy understands what’s required of them.
Positive Reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement when training your pup, rewarding them with treats or verbal praise when performing the desired behaviour. Always praise your puppy when they do something right, and ignore their bad behaviour. This will help them to want to be good. Please do not be cruel or harsh with your puppy; this will only make them feel worse when misbehaving.
Basic Training
Basic training will also help your puppy understand what you expect from them and help them gain confidence, as well as a better understanding of their surroundings.
It is a good idea to keep the training sessions short and not be tempted to over-train your puppy. Socialize your puppy early, as this will help them become more confident and happy around other dogs.
Training Equipment
Buy a crate and use it as a training aid. Always keep your puppy on a leash when you are around other people and animals, making them feel more secure.
Basic Health Care for Shih Tzus
When you bring home a new puppy, you embark on an exciting journey. The first few weeks will be spent getting to know each other, playing, and exploring. As your pup grows and develops its personality, you’ll want to ensure it has the best possible start in life – including access to quality healthcare.
Here are some tips on how to provide top-quality care for your Shih Tzu puppy:
- Ensure your veterinarian is always your first contact for your pup’s health. They will be able to help you keep a happy, healthy Shih Tzu by providing necessary vaccinations, diagnostics, and treatments as needed.
- Regularly take your pup for walks and playtime for plenty of exercise and fresh air. This will help improve its overall fitness and mood.
- Always keep your puppy on a leash when you are outdoors. This will help prevent it from getting into trouble, such as chasing after other animals or chewing on things that it shouldn’t have.
- If your dog is already showing signs of anxiety, it is best to consult with a professional right away. The sooner you get your dog’s help, the better off you will be.
Final Thought
Taking care of a Shih Tzu puppy is not as difficult as possible. You can have a happy and healthy pup with a little effort and patience. Always provide plenty of food, water, exercise, and love; your pup will surely thrive. Following the tips in this guide ensures that your Shih Tzu puppy will live a long and healthy life. Thanks for reading!
